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Dr. Anick Bérard funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation

MONTRÉAL, Thursday, January 22, 2014 –Dr. Anick Bérard, researcher in the Fetomaternal and Neonatal Pathologies axis at CHU Sainte-Justine and Professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy at Université de Montréal, was awarded a Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund for the update of the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort, which will allow her to identify the risk of congenital malformation, prematurity, low birth weight and autism associated with the use of antidepressants, antibiotics, antimalarials and anti-inflammatory drug use during pregnancy. This fund aims to support pioneering projects, which are expected to have a long term impact on research in Canada.

In addition to being a researcher and professor, Dr. Anick Bérard is Head of the Medications, Pregnancy and Lactation Unit of CHU Sainte-Justine. The research interests of her Medications and Pregnancy laboratory include drug use during pregnancy and their effect on the foetus, the mother and the child, as well as the risk of multiple pregnancy and major congenital malformations associated with assisted reproduction techniques. Dr. Bérard is also Co-Chairholder of the Famille Louis-Boivin Research Chair – Medications, Pregnancy, and Lactation.

About the Canada Foundation for Innovation
Created by the Government of Canada, the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) strives to improve Canadian’s quality of life by supporting world-class research infrastructures. At a time of intense international competition, the CFI’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund helps institutions attract and retain the very best of today’s and tomorrow’s researchers.